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betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Better Way Alliance
@betterwayalliance.bsky.social
380 followers 1K following 62 posts
Canada's ethical employer network.
Good jobs = strong businesses & main streets.
Read #AdvantageCanada, our series on modernizing business.

Advocates for better commercial rent policy at commercialrent.ca
Learn more about us at betterwayalliance.ca
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betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Comics from St. John's. Literary mysteries from Ottawa. Small-batch skincare from Ontario.

BWA members do it right. They create good jobs, support workers & build community across Canada.

This holiday season, make your spending count.
Shop the BWA 2025 Market:
betterwayalliance.ca/bwa-2025-hol...
BWA 2025 Gift Guide cover on evergreen background with text "Discover gifts from Canadian businesses creating good jobs & supporting strong local neighbourhoods across the country Holiday gift guide featuring Downtown Comics (St. John's), Little Mushroom sustainable hosting guide (Cambridge), and Designs by Nature jewelry (Toronto) against evergreen background. Holiday gift guide featuring Sparx Publishing's Circular Economy Magazine (Vancouver), Sugarmoon skincare balm (Ontario), and The Spaniel's Tale book subscription box (Ottawa) against evergreen background. Holiday gift guide featuring Broadview Press classic literature box set (Peterborough), Bode Spa beard oil (Ottawa/Toronto), and Crank Coffee beans with mug (Canada-wide) against evergreen background.
December 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
A constant hiring cycle b/c you can't retain staff is expensive & exhausting.

BWA Director Lili Locke breaks down our approach to ethical employment on TIAO's Forward Motion podcast: more than minimum wages, paid sick days, stable scheduling.

👂👂 to the full ep: www.tiaontario.ca/cpages/forwa...
September 15, 2025 at 6:02 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
A new Canadian study links precarious jobs to early death.

This isn’t just unfortunate - it’s the result of policy that allows low wages & unstable work.

BWA members are proving better jobs are possible & good for biz.

🔗 | betterwayalliance.ca/
In SafetyMag | www.thesafetymag.com/ca/topics/ps...
May 8, 2025 at 11:28 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Missouri just voted in a $15/hr minimum wage and paid sick days.

Not just a win for workers — this is a win for smart business. Our Director @aaronbinder.com runs two businesses that already offer both.

What's the outcome? Lower turnover. Better customer experiences. Stronger teams.

1/2
May 5, 2025 at 2:58 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
An Ottawa (CHEO) hospital is using hybrid work to free up beds and support staff.

Good management finds new ways to stretch resources while building stronger long-term systems. In this case, flexibility is infrastructure, too.

Read in the @ottawacitizen.com | ottawacitizen.com/news/cheo-ve...
A social media post with a headline reading, “How an Ottawa Hospital Is Solving Space Challenges with Smarter Workplaces.” Below, a news article snippet says, “CHEO considers new ways to free beds, reduce hospital wait times,” mentioning Dr. Vera Etches. A smiling woman, arms crossed, stands in an office with a plant and an Ottawa Senators hockey jersey behind her.
April 28, 2025 at 6:36 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
We always have fruitful discussions with @kristynwongtam.bsky.social & @chrisgloverndp.bsky.social on the challenges and opportunities facing Toronto & Ontario businesses.

Read our ideas to build better through good jobs, biz owner support & systemic change: betterwayalliance.ca/advantage-ca...
Screenshot of a Zoom meeting with 18 participants from various organizations, including MPPs, BIAs, and business leaders. Faces appear in video tiles, with names and affiliations like “Bloor-Yorkville BIA,” “Preservation House,” “The Cabbagetown BIA,” and “Better Way Alliance.” Smiling and engaged expressions suggest an active discussion.
April 16, 2025 at 3:22 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
This video is auto-posting on Friday April 12. We don't know if tariffs are on/off today.

But we know Canada's businesses are struggling. Rent & insurance = skyrocketing. We need fundamental changes, not tax cuts.

Our #AdvantageCanada series has solutions | betterwayalliance.ca/advantage-ca...
April 11, 2025 at 8:05 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Why are so many Canadian small businesses stuck or shutting down?

It’s not a mystery:

👉 Commercial rent hikes (100-300%)
👉 No access to capital
👉 Rising costs + stagnant supports

We unpack it all in our new video.
🎥 Full convo here: youtu.be/eBWCFhmcKWU
A smiling man with glasses talks on the phone while holding papers. The bold text says, “What’s Really Hurting Canadian Businesses and How We Fix It.” The background is maroon with falling autumn leaves, and a BWA logo is in the corner.
April 7, 2025 at 7:54 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
@dxcsummit.bsky.social 2025 was stellar. So glad to hear a vision for community wealth building from @mendelmatt.bsky.social and Claire Trottier.

A strong Canadian economy starts with fair business rent, investment in local biz, and - yes - taxing the wealthy.

@scpartners.bsky.social for more!
The image shows a stage at the "Democracy Xchange" event, presented by The Dais. On the large screen behind the stage, a panel discussion titled "Plenary: New Ideas for a Democratic Economy" is being introduced, featuring speakers Matthew Mendelsohn from Social Capital Partners, Dan Draper from Build Canada, Clare Trottier of Exotraic Millionaires Canada, and The Logic's Murad Hemmadi. Four people are seated on black chairs on the stage, engaging in a panel discussion. The stage is lit with purple and pink accent lighting. In the foreground, a sign reads "DEMOCRACY XCHANGE" along with logos of the event sponsors. The juxtaposition of the panel screen introducing new ideas for democracy with the "Democracy Xchange" branding suggests this is a conference focused on discussing and sharing innovative approaches to strengthening democratic systems and economies. The range of speakers from business, non-profit and media backgrounds implies a multidisciplinary approach to the topic.
April 7, 2025 at 1:09 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
HOVR is a Toronto based ride-share company that believes "100 Fare is 100% Fair".

Their drivers receive the full amount you pay in app - and many are direct shareholders in the company.

It's time Uber & Lyft are held to account by a better real-life option.
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
March 21, 2025 at 6:57 AM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Golden Wheat Bakery on Toronto's College Street is gone after 32 years because of a giant rent hike.

Toronto retail rents have jumped 130% in 5 years - what business can afford this?

In some towns, increases hit 300%. Unaffordable rent hike are killing small businesses across Canada.

1/2
March 15, 2025 at 12:43 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Imagine being the landlord that tells Glenda her rent is going up by 120%.

It's easy to assume that giant rent increases are something that only businesses in Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary experience.

But it happens everywhere, including Cowichan BC.

www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com/home/lake-co...
An elderly woman with short, curly hair and glasses sits at a desk in an office. She is wearing a burgundy blouse and a dark jacket, and is working on paperwork with a desk lamp nearby. The desk is cluttered with documents, a laptop, and some decorative wooden boards. The image is of Glenda Osborne-Burg, manager of Gerard's Specialty Foods in Lake Cowichan, who is concerned about rising commercial rent in the town.
March 11, 2025 at 1:47 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Wondering why your favourite small businesses keep disappearing? It's often not bad luck - it's bad rent.

To stop main street chainification - Ontario businesses need better this election. Fair rent, insurance & pathways to owning instead of renting.

Discover | betterwayalliance.ca/ontario-elec...
February 19, 2025 at 12:35 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
↗️ Commercial Renter Bill of Rights | Give business owners negotiating power
↗️ Local Ownership Mortgage Program | Help businesses buy a space
↗️ NextGen Ownership Fund | Keep local businesses in Canadian hands as owners retire
↗️ Affordable Business Insurance | More competition to lower costs

2/3 👇👇
February 18, 2025 at 1:29 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
🚨 68% rent increases. Soaring insurance costs. Lingering debt. Tariff threats. Ontario’s small businesses don’t need band-aid fixes—we need real solutions.

Here’s how the next government can supercharge local businesses:

1/3 👇👇
February 18, 2025 at 1:29 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
If Trump slaps tariffs on Canadian goods, we'll see high costs, lost jobs & mega uncertainty.

Ottawa talking short-term relief is helpful.
But Canada's businesses need long-term solutions for stability.

@theglobeandmail.com | www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
A news article headline reads: 'Ottawa planning pandemic-level relief for workers, businesses if Trump imposes tariffs.' The bylines credit Robert Fife, Ottawa Bureau Chief, and Steven Chase, Senior Parliamentary Reporter. The article is marked as 'Published Yesterday' and 'For Subscribers.' Below the headline is a photo of two officials. A woman, likely a government representative, speaks at a podium, gesturing with her hand. Behind her stands a man in a suit with a solemn expression. The backdrop includes wooden doors and a Canadian flag partially visible.
January 29, 2025 at 12:39 AM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Toronto retail rents: Up 67% since 2020.
Industrial rents: Doubled in major cities.

Private Equity's game plan: Buy properties, jack up rents until local businesses fail, then rent to chains at inflated rates.

But here's the thing - other countries solved this already:

👇2/3👇
January 17, 2025 at 3:58 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Let's talk how commercial rent is crushing small business in Canada.

Over decades, immigrant entrepreneurs would buy their shops after a few years of renting.

That removed them from rental volatility.
Today? Everything's changed.

👇 1/3 👇
📖📖📖 | canadianbusiness.com/ideas/small-...
An article titled 'Why Small Businesses Need Commercial Rent Control' with a subheading that reads: 'Rising rents are pushing mom-and-pop shops off Canada's streets. The Better Way Alliance argues new tenant protections are the answer.' Below the text is an image of a vacant storefront with dark windows. One sign in the window reads 'FOR LEASE,' and another says 'STORE CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS.' The facade is plain and gray, emphasizing the loss of the business.
January 17, 2025 at 3:58 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
2025 at the BWA is about empowering business leaders.

Often businesses start with passion & grit but struggle as teams grow.

We're creating tools to help Canadian businesses build decent work environments - boosting retention, productivity, and profitability while supporting happier employees.
Black background with white text that reads: 'Your manager has more impact on your mental health than your therapist or your doctor. Having a good boss can literally change your life.' Above the text is a small circular photo of a man named Tobi with a verified checkmark and his username, @thetobioluwole
December 23, 2024 at 7:29 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Hiring lately? Notice candidates seem “too perfect”? Job descriptions are AI-written. Resumes are AI-polished.

And every match feels… scripted.

As Plum CEO @Caitlin MacGregor notes, AI in hiring might just amplify old flaws - fast.

Read @thelogic.co:
thelogic.co/news/ai-jobs...
#aihiring #jobs
A simple, clean graphic featuring a grid-like network of interconnected dots and lines, symbolizing digital connections. The color palette includes soft blues and whites, evoking a sense of technology and innovation. The design reflects themes of artificial intelligence and interconnected systems in the hiring process.
December 18, 2024 at 10:42 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
BWA Member Spotlight:

Enviro Stewards is a team of incredible people doing world-changing work.

Their blue-roof technology costs barely more than a standard industrial roof but is leading to major cost savings on electricity, water, and HVAC costs.

Learn more:
enviro-stewards.com
December 6, 2024 at 4:37 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Vet costs are way up in the last decade.
Why? Corporate takeovers.

Mars Inc. - yes, the candy company owns nearly half of all corporate vet clinics in the U.S.

When corporations dominate, costs rise, quality drops, and communities lose.

Read @bostonglobe.com | www.bostonglobe.com/2024/11/19/o...
December 3, 2024 at 7:27 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Would you prefer a four-day working week? It's an idea that's gaining a lot of traction - and for good reason, a recent UK trial backs up the math.

For businesses looking to reinvent & improve their employee engagement - this story will spark interest.

🔗 - www.cam.ac.uk/stories/four...
A graphic titled "61 UK organizations moved to 4-day work weeks. What were the results?" features survey findings. Text highlights that 60% of employees found it easier to combine paid work with care responsibilities, while 62% reported easier integration of work and social life. A quote from Professor Brendan Burchell emphasizes skepticism before the trial, stating, “We found productivity gains despite the reduction in working time.” The graphic includes the Better Way Alliance logo and tagline: "Canada's Ethical Employer Network." A graphic titled "61 UK organizations moved to 4-day work weeks. What were the results?" outlines positive outcomes. Findings reveal reduced stress and illness, with 71% reporting lower burnout and a 65% drop in sick days. Additionally, staff turnover fell by 57%, while company revenue remained stable, increasing slightly by 1.4%. The Better Way Alliance logo and tagline, "Canada's Ethical Employer Network," appear at the bottom.
November 26, 2024 at 5:37 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
How Minimum Wage Increases Boost Local Economies:

The numbers tell a 💪 story: raising wages for 5% of workers lifts earnings for 15% of the workforce.

Workers then have more $$ to spend at local businesses create a cycle that strengthens main streets.

🔗 - betterwayalliance.ca/minimum-wage...
An image of 3 happy individuals about to shake hands. Text: How minimum wage increases boost local economies. Higher Wages = More spending at local businesses.
November 20, 2024 at 4:45 PM
betterwayalliance.bsky.social
Chain stores dominate Canada’s neighborhoods, but do they help local economies? Not as much as you’d think.

Spending at locally owned businesses circulates money in the community 2-4x more than at chain stores.

More local jobs, economy, and community wealth.
An image of the local multiplier effect, showcasing how $100 spent at a local business will get circulated 2-4x more in a local economy than the same $100 spent at a chain. A text based image: Why is buying local important? The local multiplier occurs when you spend more dollars at a locally owned and independent business instead of a chain store or online giant. Your dollars recirculate through your local economy 2-4 times more than money spent at a non-local company. As your dollars move through your community, the money generates more local wealth, charitable contributions, and jobs.
November 18, 2024 at 3:36 PM